by Ian Donnis and Scott MacKay

Rhode Island Tip Sheet: Logjam in Warwick

STATE OF THE STATE: Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian, as we’ve noted before, is the Mr. Patient of Rhode Island politics. So don’t expect the Washington Post’s mention of him today as a potential challenger next year to Jim Langevin to light a fire in the mayor’s office at Warwick City Hall (Allan Fung also gets a mention). Avedisian decided not go after Senator Sheldon Whitehouse next year, and despite periodic rumors, it’s anyone’s guess when he’ll choose a different course. But there would be a lot of interest if Avedisian decided against seeking reelection. The potential candidates could include:

— Warwick Councilor Joseph Solomon (a first cousin of Providence City Council President Michael Solomon). “It is something that we are studying,” Joseph Solomon says of a possible run for mayor in 2012.

As it stands, Avedisian has fairly modest $57,314 in his campaign account, as of his last filing, and he’s reportedly not held a fundraiser in a while. Observers might not want to read too much into that, though, since the mayor usually mobilizes once he’s publicly announced a decision. In characteristic fashion, Avedisian told me yesterday he hasn’t yet made any decision about 2012, because he’s focused on other issues in Warwick. He did say, though, that’s he’s no less likely to seek reelection than in the past.

CHAFEE: One-time rival George Zainyehis set to join the Chafee administration, replacing chief of staff Patrick Rogers, as of January 13.

PUBLIC RECORDS: If you want to get Tim White going, ask him about the many shortcomings of the state’s public records law. Here’s his latest riff on the subject.

RI GOP: The election to succeed Ken McKayas state party chairman is on for 7 pm Wednesday at the Shriners Hall in Cranston. Tina McKendallhas emerged to battle for the post with Mark Zaccaria and Raymond McKay.